Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-02-10

great revival here in Richmond among
the colored people, who thought the
world was coming TO nm end. Daily
they assembled in their houses of wor-
ship to hold prayer-meetings. One
evening when it was becoming dark
one OF the brethren over in the
corner knelt down and commenced
praying. The minister arose and
asked, "Who's that praying over
there?" Some one replied, "That's
Rro'cr Moses pnyin'." The minister
said, "Stop that; quit that prayin and
let Rro'er Ryan, whar is better quaint
ed wid de Lord, pray" IGreat
laughter / feel very very much like
that minister. / had better let Colonel
Beverley, who is better acquainted with
agriculture, do the "praying." For
the past year my attention has been
directed to other matters, and some OF
them very serious ones, and have not
been able to spend much time on sgri-
culture. EApplause.]
The Governor said that, looking over
the State from where the mountains
kiss the sky on the one side to the
great tidewater section on the other,
everything is well except in agricul-
ture. Rich mineral-felds are being
opened up, transportation lines are
being extended, northern capitalists
are investing their millions in the
South, and for the South there is a
great future. In his official capacity as
Executive of the State he is ready to
cooperate and do anything he can.
The Governor congratulated the
farmers on the Federal legislation
which during the past year has been
enacted in the interest of agriculture.
Continuing, he said that he came to
the hall with the intention Of asking
the question, What can be done to get
more money into the pockets Of the
farmers Of Virginia, who constitute
so large and worthy q class /?
The price OF grain is very
low, and the general excuse given
for the existence of this state Of facts
is that the production So far exceeds the
consumption. This might be improved
by changing the revenue laws so as to
secure a reduction in export charges.
The only mode that he could suggest
for dispOsing of the surplus was to get
up big war between some of the for
eigD Powers, or get up n row ut New
port News. Laughter.
The Governor referred to his recent
visit to the far Northwest, and said that
there he found as here, the grain
producing properties of the soil have
greatly decreased, and lands that a few
years ago yielded twenty-five bushels
per acre now yield only about fifteen
bushels.
In conclusion, he said that he would
always gladly recommend any State
legislation to further the agricultural
interest.
AGRICULTURAL BILL ADOPTED.
At tie conclusion of the Governors
speech, which produced fine impress
son, the Assembly proceeded with the
agricultural bill, which was adopted
first by sections and then as a whole.
The bill viii be presented to the
Legislature for passage at its next ses-
son.
pLEUBO-PNRUMONA BILL.
Mr.. Grattan introduced a preamble
and resolution, which were adopted,
indorsing the pleuro-pneumonis bill
now before the Congress of the United
States.
A resolution was adopted providing
for assessing the delegates to the next
session Of the Assembly to support its
expenses.
AGRICULTURAL CONVENTION.
General Fields, Of Albemarle, offered
a resolution authorizing the president
Of the Assembly, in conference and CO.
operation with the Executive Commit
tee, if in their opinion it should be
best, to call a general convention OF
the agriculturalists of Virginia, to as
semble in this city in August next, to
consider and determine line of policy
to be pursued by the agriculturalists OF
the State in nconnection with the general
elections to be held in November next.
This resolution opened wide range
of discussion. in which politics held
conspicuous place.
Mr.. Lyman, as a substitute, offered
resolution providing that when the As
sembly adjourn it he to meet again the
third Tuesday in November next, and
that the Executive Committee meet that
day TO make recommendations to the
Assembly that night.
The substitute was adopted.
At l1:20 Z. VI. the Assembly ad-
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